Library Apps Research Articles

UTILIZATION OF DIGITAL LIBRARY RESOURCES AND SERVICES BY LIS STUDENTS OF FEDERAL UNIVERSITY DUTSIN-MA, KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

This study is set out to investigate the challenges to the utilisation of digital library resources and services by Library and Information Science (LIS) students, Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina-Nigeria. In order to achieve this, three (3) research questions were formulated. A survey method was employed in the conduct of this study while the population comprised 590 library and information science students, FUDMA. A well-structure questionnaire was administered to 40% of 590 which is 236 for data collection. The data collected for the study were presented and analysed using descriptive statistics, frequency distribution tables and simple percentages for the data analysis. It was found that FUDMA Digital Library apps, KOHA Digital management software, online databases (open and closed access), Calibre E-library management software and DSpace were the type of the available Digital Library Resources and services respondents were aware of, and were being utilized by LIS respondents. LIS students search and utilized Digital Library Resources and services through library website, search through OPAC, Institutional Repositories and through FUDMA Digital Library apps. Slow Internet connectivity in the institution, lack of wireless network on campus, lack of computer literacy skills, erratic power supply were the major challenges faced by the respondents in using the FUDMA Digital Library Resources and Services. Hence, the study recommended that the university management should take a leading role to address the issue of power supply and Internet connectivity across the university community and in order to increase the level of utilization of FUDMA Library resources and services, that, the management should organize more sensitization training and workshop on use and customization of FUDMA digital library.

Development of an Android App for the College Library: A Case Study

This paper explains the development of an Android application for a library. Nowadays, everyone owns a smartphone, a precious tool for accessing resources. The primary purpose of this Android app is to enable consumers to access information at their fingertips. The paper explains constructing a library Android app using Android App Inventor 2. The prerequisites and processes for developing a library app are also briefly explained. This software allows users to access library and college websites, as well as the OPAC, question papers, syllabus, E-Notes, N-LIST, and other resources. It increases the number of visitors to the library while saving consumers time and energy.

Knowledge and Utilization of Digital Applications for Effective Service Delivery in Academic Libraries in South-South Universities, Nigeria

This study investigated knowledge and utilization of digital applications for effective service delivery in academic libraries in South-South universities, Nigeria. 3 research questions and 3 hypotheses were raised. The population included 181 selected Librarians in the twelve (12) selected universities in South-South, Nigeria as a case study. A sample size of 119 Librarians representing 66% of the population served as respondents. Convenience sampling technique was used for the study. A 25-item questionnaire was used for data collection. Cronbach alpha statistics was used to obtain 0.73 reliability. Mean/standard deviation were used for research questions and z-test statistics was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The result amongst others revealed that, Librarian in both federal and state universities are knowledgeable about Library Catalogue Apps, Library Card and Account Management Apps, Digital Preservation and Archives Apps and others. Meanwhile, Librarians in both federal and state universities poorly utilize Digital Citation Management Apps, Digital Library Card and Account Management Apps and Digital Preservation and Archives Apps. The analysis also shows that, Librarians do not utilize Digital Augmented and Virtual Reality Apps, Digital Library Events and Notifications Apps, Reading and E-Book Apps, Digital Study and Collaboration Apps and Quick Response (QR) Codes scanners. The challenges academic libraries face in promoting digital applications are inadequate skilled staff to operate digital libraries, difficulty in the enforcement of intellectual property rights, non-utilization of digital library Apps.

Meta-analysis of technology acceptance for mobile and digital libraries in academic settings using technology acceptance model (TAM)

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to measure the relationship of technology acceptance model (TAM) variables (PEOU and PU) with behavioral intention (BI) and attitude in mobile and digital libraries context. This study also examines the relationship of external variables (information quality and system quality) with TAM variables (PEOU and PU) in mobile and digital libraries context. Design/methodology/approach This meta-analysis was performed through PRISMA-P guidelines. Four databases (Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus and LISTA) were used for searching, and the search was conducted according to defined criteria. Findings Findings of this study revealed a large effect size of PU and PEOU with BI. There was also a large effect size of PU and PEOU with attitude. A medium effect size was found between SysQ → PU, InfoQ → PU and SysQ → PEOU. However, there was a small effect size between InfoQ and PEOU. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there was no study published till the time of conducting this meta-analysis. Hence, this study fills the literature gap. This study also confirms that TAM is a valid model in the acceptance and use of technology in mobile and digital libraries context. Thus, the findings of the present study are helpful for developers and designers in designing and developing mobile library apps. It will also be beneficial for library authorities and system librarians in designing and developing digital libraries in academic settings.

APPetite for Something New: The Katona József Library’s Mobile Application

The Katona József Library of Bács-Kiskun County has always placed great emphasis on reaching out to all age groups. In order to achieve our goal, we need to be informed and up-to-date with the latest trends and to be present on as many virtual platforms as possible. That’s why, at the beginning of 2021, a few enthusiastic librarians of our institution thought that a library mobile app could be the next important milestone in our continuous development and renewal. All this experimentation and testing has finally paid off: the Katona József Library’s mobile app is available on the Google Play Store from Autumn 2021. It’s no secret that our primary goal with our entirely self-developed, in-house app was to target young people, perhaps the hardest-to-reach age group for libraries. So, in addition to creating content specifically for teens (book reviews, games), we also wanted the look and feel of the app to be coherent and dynamic. Of course, we did not want the app to replace our library’s website, but to provide content that could be enjoyed on a smaller screen. As the application is easy to navigate and use, so that older people who are generally less familiar with the digital world will have no problems using it. For those who are a little apprehensive, one of our tutorials promoting the app will give them all the help they need to become a confident user. So what does our library app do? In addition to the Programme Guide, there is a dedicated menu with a regularly updated document guide. And with our ever-expanding thematic video selection, you can watch videos of our library programmes at any time. Of course, a library mobile app would be useless without a Catalogue menu, so webOPAC is also just a click away. With our Virtual Tour, which is unique among national library mobile apps, you can even take a look around our library from the comfort of your own home, sitting in your armchair. Games were also included in the app. We have thought of games for all ages, with four to four games for children, teens and adults. Puzzles are mainly related to the world of books, but there are also some puzzles on local history. We hope that our innovation will live up to our expectations and will appeal to a wider audience than just young people. Our aim is to ensure that our application remains a popular and constantly renewing service in the long term.

Research into influencing factors in user experiences of university mobile libraries based on mobile learning mode

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to analyse and discuss the influencing factors of user experience in university mobile libraries and the improvement path of user experience in the context of mobile learning.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted the grounded theory research method, and the sample included 28 students from five universities, with mobile libraries as the research objects and semi-structured interview as data acquisition method. A step-by-step coding analysis of the original interview materials was conducted, which comprehensively identified the main concerns and problems encountered by users of the university mobile library apps especially in the mobile learning behaviour mode, and then a theoretical model of the influencing factors of the app user experience of the university mobile library was constructed.FindingsA theoretical model of influencing factors was constructed, which determined that system quality, interaction quality, content quality, interface quality and function quality were the key elements of mobile library user experiences. Furthermore, based on the research results and user feedback obtained in the research process, the content and key points relating to the user experience can be elaborated in detail. In addition, this study was able to determine users' perspectives and their behavioural characteristics when engaging in mobile learning.Originality/valueThis study establishes a theoretical model of the factors influencing of the user experience of university mobile libraries based on mobile learning, which could provide a valuable reference for the design of other programs and strategies to promote user learning experiences of mobile library app in colleges and universities.

Cochrane Library

Cochrane Library (ISSN 1465-1858) is owned by Cochrane and published by Wiley. The library includes the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Cochrane Clinical Answers (CCAs). Cochrane Library is an online collection of databases that provides high-quality, independent, peer-reviewed systematic reviews, trials, and Clinical Answers on health care‐related topics. Much Open Access content is available as well. The database is sophisticated and allows for multiple facet searches, including title, title abstract, abstract, author, and trial registry number. There are options for Basic Search, Browse by Topic, Browse by Cochrane Review Group, and Advanced Search. A Cochrane Library app is available via the Apple Store and Google Play. Cochrane Library is freely available in the United Kingdom and a few other countries, which are listed on the main Cochrane website. In the United States, it is available through a subscription and valuable to any institution with health care‐related programs.

Mediating effects on the relationship between perceived service quality and public library app loyalty during the COVID-19 era

The demand for using library apps to search for information has been increasing after the COVID-19 outbreak. To look into how the pandemic affects the users’ perception of the loyalty of using library apps, we designed this research by amalgamating the updated IS success model and S–O-R model to evaluate the service quality of a public library app under the Hong Kong Government mobile applications initiative. A third-order model is established to demonstrate the multi-faceted aspects of service quality and mediating effects of perceived brand image, satisfaction, and e-word of mouth. Using structural equation modeling, data collected from Hong Kong, a metropolis where mobile services empower its citizens, showed the interrelationships among service quality and possible outcomes (i.e., perceived brand image, user satisfaction, e-word of mouth, and user loyalty). Findings also indicate that the influence of perceived service quality on user loyalty could only be achieved through perceived brand image and user satisfaction. This is a timely study during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the lockdown and social distancing arrangements created challenges for citizens to search for information in public libraries in person. Our findings and suggestions reiterate the importance of considering the usability concepts when analyzing the service quality of each unique app. They also provide insights for practitioners in developing the next generation of apps for smart public information services and call for further investigation into the proposed hierarchical model and other potential factors related to service quality.

Library Services Through Mobile Apps- Development and use by Indian Libraries

This paper aims to report on the adoption and use of mobile apps, including in-house and available in the app store by the Indian libraries for carrying out library services. An online survey was conducted to collect data from 229 LIS professionals from divergent types of libraries across the country. The study found that only 27 libraries developed their dedicated library mobile apps for catering services to the patron. The primary services offered were e-resources facility (92.60%), reference query (88.88%) and SMS alert (77.77%). The study also found the effective integration of social media apps by the libraries for sharing information regarding library services (74.67%) and upcoming events (68.12%), highlighting the library collection (62%), reference advisory (55.45%) and streaming videos lively (26.20%). The most used social media apps were WhatsApp (69.43%), Facebook (66.37%) and YouTube (65.93%). However, the unavailability of apps in offline mode and storage problems were the major hurdles cited by the professionals in using apps. The study results suggest opportunities for libraries to develop their library app to satisfy users’ information needs.

University students’ attitudes towards ubiquitous library-supported learning: an empirical investigation in the context of the Line@Library

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the influences of task-technology fit on university students’ attitudes towards ubiquitous library-supported learning when they use a mobile library app, Line@Library.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, structural equation modelling to examine 158 valid questionnaires are used. The study aims to examine the effects of task-technology fit (TTF) on university students’ attitudes towards mobile learning (AML) when using Line@Library.FindingsThe results show that task-technology fit is an important role that influences the students’ attitudes towards mobile learning. The factor “technology characteristics” is considered when the students attempted to use the mobile app to solve problems or complete tasks. This study also found that the students responded with positive perceptions of the task-technology fit and had positive perceptions of its ease of use. Furthermore, usefulness, ease of use and affection of AML were found to be the most influential predictors of mobile library adoption intention.Originality/valueFrom the perspective of learners, this study investigates the relationships of the combination of social media and a mobile library between TTF and AML. This study further found that not only ease of use, usefulness and affection but also task-technology fit can be a predictor that influences students’ attitudes towards mobile learning.

Adoption of mobile library apps as learning tools in higher education: a tale between Hong Kong and Japan

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine students' perception of mobile technology adoption for library service apps as a lens to explore the factors affecting mobile learning in higher education.Design/methodology/approachWith the data collected from university students from Hong Kong and Japan, the authors conducted a comparative study for gaining a better understanding of students' perceptions toward adopting mobile apps as learning tools and other socio-cultural factors affecting such adoption. In particular, the authors derive alternative models from our analysis (benchmarked on technology acceptance model and unified theory of acceptance and use of technology) for a better explanation of the formation of the intentions, and, more importantly, cultural factors would affect such formation, as informed by the Hofstede Cultural Dimensions.FindingsThe findings are valuable for enhancing the effectiveness and adoption of mobile services for teaching and learning purposes in the context of higher education, as the focus of promotion of services should be tailored to the different student expectations in different regions, e.g. mainly performance expectancy in Japan versus in Hong Kong facilitating condition, performance expectancy and perceived usefulness altogether.Originality/valueDefined as contributing to the development of learning assistance, mobile technology for library use and information access have become a significant issue raised in many higher educational institutions over the world, as the characteristics of mobile technology, such as portability and mobility, strengthen its possible use in education. However, scant research has been done in understanding the perception of mobile library use and factors affecting the behavioral intentions through the use of mobile technologies in Hong Kong and most Asian countries have not been sufficiently studied.

Undergraduate students use of mobile apps to search library catalogs

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore undergraduate students’ use of mobile apps to search library catalogs and analyze the problems students encountered. Student opinions and suggestions regarding mobile library apps were also examined.Design/methodology/approachA total of 16 undergraduates were observed and subjected to semi-structured interviews. Four tasks were assigned, and the participants used mobile apps and laptops to search library catalogs. Follow-up in-depth interviews were conducted to gather participants’ opinions regarding the mobile library app.FindingsAmong the 64 total searches conducted by the 16 participants, 45 (70.31 percent) were completed when using the mobile app, and 51 (79.69 percent) were completed using the laptop. Participants spent less time completing the tasks when they used the mobile app. Mobile apps are thus an effective tool for searching library catalogs. However, the interviews revealed that none of the participants had used mobile library apps prior to the interviews conducted in this study, and half of the participants expressed that they would not install library apps on their smartphones in the future.Originality/valueThe study findings may help university libraries improve their understanding about undergraduates’ search behavior and opinions about mobile library apps.

User-opinion mining for mobile library apps in China: exploring user improvement needs

PurposeTo further provide some insight into mobile library (m-library) applications (apps) user needs and help libraries or app providers improve the service quality, the purpose of this paper is to explore all the types of user improvement needs and to discover which need is the most important based on user results.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from more than 27,000 m-library app users from 16 provinces and autonomous regions in China. Text analysis using latent Dirichlet allocation and Word2Vec was carried out by text preprocessing. Furthermore, a visual presentation was conducted through pyLDAvis and word cloud. Finally, combined with expert opinions, the results were summarized to find the different types of needs.FindingsThere are three different types of needs for improvement: needs of function, needs of technology and needs of experience. These types can be further divided into six subtypes: richness of function, feasibility of function, easiness of technology, stableness of technology, optimization of experience and customization of experience. Besides the richness of function, the feasibility of function has received the most attention from users.Originality/valueMost studies on m-library user needs have only focused on a method of quantitative research based on questionnaire surveys. This study, however, is the first to apply text mining methods for large-scale user opinion texts, which place more focus on user needs and inspire libraries and app providers to further improve their services.

Perceptions toward academic library app implementation

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the perceptions of Kuwait University students majoring in the social sciences, faculty members and academic librarians toward mobile library applications (apps), which are not currently available. These technologies are highly desirable for students, but many libraries struggle to properly implement them.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative survey questionnaires were distributed to 400 undergraduate students, of which 184 valid and completed questionnaires were collected. In addition, three focus groups were conducted with social sciences graduate students, academics and librarians to further explore attitudes and perspectives toward library apps.FindingsA majority of respondents (62 per cent) visited the academic library less than five times per month or never, but a smaller majority (57 per cent) also preferred to use a combination of computers and mobile devices to access library information. The most desirable student uses for library apps involved access to basic information or services such as library hours, book renewal or catalog searches. Most potential barriers to student use of library apps received low scores; only slow internet speed was considered a significant problem. Focus group discussions clarified that major concerns regarding the implementation of library apps included the potential cost, knowledge, training and administrator support for these efforts.Originality/valueThis study highlights the unique interest in, and barriers to, library app implementation at Kuwait University, while providing an informative structure for similar studies and considerations elsewhere.

Public library mobile apps in Scotland: views from the local authorities and the public

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine current public library apps in Scotland and assess Scottish public library users’ opinions of those apps.Design/methodology/approachTwo qualitative and quantitative surveys were conducted. One survey was distributed to each Scottish local authority, the entities responsible for public libraries and Scotland. The second survey was made available to the public. The results were analysed with nonparametric statistics and content analysis.FindingsAll 32 authorities responded. In all, 17 authorities had an app, two had one in development, and 13 had none. Offering an alternative means of communication to patrons was the main reason for providing an app, while cost and low priority were the main reasons provided against app provision. Authorities were satisfied with the core services offered in their apps, but less so with others. No authorities had consulted the public regarding app provision. The public (n=185), while satisfied with current library apps, criticised the complex procedures required to access external services. Patrons from authorities without an app stated interest in apps.Research limitations/implicationsIt is vital for public libraries to implement at least core services that are optimised for mobile devices. They should consult with the public before and throughout the development process to ensure they are happy with the implementation.Originality/valueThis is the first known study to explore public library app use in Scotland as well as one of the first in public library app use worldwide.

PERSEPSI KOMUNITAS SEKOLAH TENTANG LIBRARY APPS TERHADAP PEMBERDAYAAN PERPUSTAKAAN

Abstract. This research is motivated by the development of information and communication technology (ICT) in the library world so rapidly that allows libraries in the present to develop its services into digital-based services. This study aims to find out the school community’s perception of library apps developed by Riche Cynthia Johan, Hana Silvana, and Holin Sulistyo and its influence on library empowerment at the library of SD Laboratorium Percontohan UPI Bandung. Library apps in this research belong to the context of m-libraries, which is a library that meets the needs of its users by using mobile platforms such as smartphones,computers, and other mobile devices. Empowerment of library is the utilization of all aspects of the implementation of libraries to the best in order to achieve the expected goals. An analysis of the schoolcommunity’s perception of library apps using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) includes: ease of use, usefulness, usability, usage trends, and real-use conditions. While the empowerment of the library includes aspects: information empowerment, empowerment of learning resources, empowerment of human resources, empowerment of library facilities, and library promotion. The research method used in this research is descriptive method with quantitative approach. Population and sample in this research is school community at SD Laboratorium Percontohan UPI Bandung. Determination of sample criteria by using disproportionate stratified random sampling with the number of samples of 83 respondents. Data analysis using simple linear regression to measure the influence of school community perception about library apps to library empowerment. The result of data analysis shows that there is influence between school community perception about library apps to library empowerment at library of SD Laboratorium Percontohan UPI Bandung which is proved by library acceptance level and library empowerment improvement.

APLIKASI MOBILE PERPUSTAKAAN SEKOLAH

Developing a school library is now a priority to determine the progress of literacy every individual in the ecosystem of the school. Information and communication technology to be triggered in providing easy access to information, including access to the library. This research studies; First, the draft form of a mobile applications based school library, called library apps. second, application adaptation procedure in the school library. research approach using design and development, with a pilot primary school library developed an online public library catalog which has been owned by the school, was developed using the basic ingredients Slims database previously accessible via http://perpustakaansd.labschool.upi.edu

Chinese students’ behavior intention to use mobile library apps and effects of education level and discipline

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine behavior intention of Chinese university students toward mobile library (m-library) applications (apps) and to explore the determinants of their perceptions of m-library apps. Design/methodology/approach Based on previous research, this study first proposed an integrated model and hypothesized the relationships between constructs while exploring the significance of the effects of education level and discipline. In all, 466 undergraduate and graduate students from various disciplines participated in a survey for this study. A structural equation modeling approach was applied for analysis. Findings Attitude is the main predictor of behavior intention toward m-library apps, and it is significantly affected by perceived usefulness, self-efficacy, and subjective norm. The quality of m-library apps determines students’ perception of usefulness. In addition, education level and discipline have significant effects on behavior intention toward m-library apps, which may reflect students’ different focuses and purposes of use. Originality/value This study deepens understanding of the continuance usage of m-library apps and has practical implications on related developments and services.

Building Library APP with Mobile Platform on Campus——Case Study of Whistle Platform

Building Library APP with Mobile Platform on Campus——Case Study of Whistle Platform

‘Gamification’ for Health Behaviour Change in Smartphone Apps

‘Gamification’ for Health Behaviour Change in Smartphone Apps